Thiruvananthapuram: The Election Commission of Kerala has directed that the designation “IPS” be removed from all campaign posters and flex boards featuring former police officer R. Sreelekha as she contests the upcoming municipal elections. This decision follows a complaint filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate T. S. Reshmi, who argued that using the IPS title post-retirement in election campaigns violates electoral norms. The move underscores the Commission’s strict approach to maintaining fairness in electoral representation and preventing candidates from gaining undue advantage through official titles.
The directive has already prompted widespread changes across the state, with campaign posters and flex banners either having “IPS” removed entirely or replaced with “Retired IPS.” The Election Commission emphasized that no candidate, retired or otherwise, is permitted to use professional titles that could influence voters or imply official endorsement. Observers suggest that this decision is intended to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and maintain transparency in election campaigning.
R. Sreelekha, the first woman IPS officer from Kerala and a former Director General of Police, expressed that while the formal title will be removed from her campaign materials, her identity and public recognition remain intact. She indicated that voters are already familiar with her contributions and experience in law enforcement, suggesting that the absence of the title on posters is unlikely to diminish her appeal among constituents.
Election analysts note that the removal of the IPS designation may affect voter perception, particularly for those who associate law enforcement credentials with leadership and reliability. The decision reflects the Commission’s ongoing effort to strictly regulate the use of official or professional titles during elections, thereby reinforcing the principles of equity and fairness in democratic processes.